Laois Connects: 'To get back up and running was a mammoth task' after crash

11 Oct 2016

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A highlight of Laois Connects is set to be a joint concert and talk featuring a local choir and a local man who has overcome paralysis to live a full life.

The Sing for Joy choir will perform while guest speaker Ger Scully will speak about his journey from a life-changing car accident at the Portlaoise Parish Centre on Wednesday, October 12 at 11am.

Ger Scully is to talk about his journey of recovery and the role sports played.

Ger was involved in a car accident one morning on his way to work, which changed his whole life.

While in rehab, he felt there would be no future life for him in sport.

Whilst recovering in rehab Ger was contacted by Laois Sports Partnership, Sports Disability Officer, Garrett Culliton who was instrumental in encouraging Ger to get back involved in sport, particularly Wheelchair Rugby to aid his recovery.

He will talk about his journey which led him to represent Ireland in the European Wheelchair Rugby Championships.

He’ll speak about how physical activity helped him in his recovery, both from a physical and well-being perspective

“To get back up is a mammoth task but at the end of the day I need to function as a father and a parent,” says Scully.

“I think it’s unfortunate if people put their life on hold. I can’t emphasise what rugby has done for me.

“When I started playing, my dad had to come up with me every Wednesday for training and take all of his day off. He’d drive me, get me out of the car, the lot.

“Now I can drive up and down on my own and get in and out of the car on my own. That’s what rugby has done for me. It’s given me serious independence,” he said.

All are welcome to the inspirational talk and concert which is run by the Laois Sports Partnership, Laois Partnership, Laois Offaly ETB in conjunction with the Sing for Joy Choir which meets weekly at the Portlaoise Parish Centre for a morning of music and song.

Part of the purpose of the event is to communicate some of the benefits of activity and excercise to one's physical and mental health.

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